University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Tigranes
speaks as the Scene changes.
The temple gates unfold, and, see! the queen,
Bright as Aurora, rising in the east!
What mingled graces! Thus the Cyprian goddess,
Drest by the smiling loves, and festive hours,
On blue Olympus' starry height appears.

Scene draws to solemn Music, and discovers the Inside of the Temple—the Pillars adorned with festoons of flowers—an Altar burning, crowned with Wreaths of Olive—Orontes, Priests, and Virgins in white, ranged on each side—Thamyris standing by the Altar.
THAMYRIS.
All righteous Themis! to thy name we pour
The song of gratitude! By thee sweet peace
Spreads her soft wings around us; fast beside
Thy sacred altar the fair wanderer rests:
Yet not her choicest gifts, not Pontus sav'd,
Would fill my vows, if, by the goddess led,
Great Athridates came not. Once again
My filial arms shall press a much lov'd father;
Again his child, his Thamyris, shall see
The smile paternal on his aged cheek,
And hear his voice in blessings. Ye, my virgins,
Bring the fresh flow'rets of the lovely spring,
To strew his honour'd path.

ORONTES.
The monarchs come:
Ere this they have embrac'd, and bend their steps
To this propitious shrine.—Ye holy train,
Prepare the rites, prepare the sacred cup,
A pure libation to th' attesting gods,
The pledge of future concord. Raise the strain
To awful Themis, arbitress of kings.
[As Orontes approaches the altar, and the orchestra begin the accompanyment, loud thunder is heard on the left—the temple shakes—the flames on the altar are suddenly extinguished, and the whole scene darkened.]
Avert these omens, heaven!

THAMYRIS.
Immortal powers!
If with pure heart, and will to heaven resign'd,
I sought this holy fane, protect and pardon
Your trembling votary. Speak your awful purpose.